Portugal records their first win over Italy since 1976

epa04803301 Portugal player Ederzito (L) celebrates his goal during the international friendly soccer match between Portugal and Italy at the Stade de Geneve, in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 June 2015. EPA/HUGO DELGADO

Geneva: Eder scored the only goal of the game as Portugal recorded their first win over Italy since 1976 with a 1-0 friendly success in Geneva on Tuesday.

Fernando Santos`s men were in buoyant mood after last Saturday`s 3-2 Euro 2016 qualifying victory in Armenia and they produced a solid display against the Azzurri, who were previously unbeaten under coach Antonio Conte.

With World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo given a rest, Portugal handed a start to Sporting Braga striker Eder, who had scored 10 league goals this season for his club in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

After a low-key first half in Switzerland, the 27-year-old striker — born in the Portuguese colony of Guinea-Bissau — grabbed his first goal for his country with 52 minutes gone after an assist from Ricardo Quaresma.

Italy — who earned a highly creditable 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifying draw in Croatia last Friday — pressed for a leveller and Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia should have provided it in stoppage time, but he fired wide with the goal at his mercy.